1. A Guide to Arson Investigation1

2. What is Arson? ARSON is the crime of burning property
- the burning of a building or other property for a criminal or malicious reason. 2

3. The Chemistry of Fire The Fire Tetrahedron 3
The “triangle” illustrates the rule that in order to ignite and burn, a fire requires three elements — heat, fuel, and oxygen.
A fire is caused by the convergence of FUEL, O2, HEAT, & an uninhibited chemical chain rxn. 3

4. The Chemistry
of Fire
A liquid burns when the temperature is high enough to vaporize it (flash point), while a solid must be hot enough to decompose into gaseous products (pyrolysis).
Glowing combustion or smoldering is burning at the fuel-air interface, such as a cigarette.
Spontaneous combustion, which is rare, is the result of a natural heat-producing process in poorly ventilated containers or areas. 4

5. Combustion
Fire is a combustion process during which oxygen (min. req. is 15%) is united with some fuel to produce noticeable quantities of heat and light (flame) and releases Carbon or CO, carbon monixde, a toxic gas, and water vapor. 5

6. Endothermic
vs. Exothermic: 6

7. Fuels Flames Oxygen Heat 7
Combustion or burning is a complex sequence of exothermic (gives off heat or light) chemical reactions between a fuel and an oxidant accompanied by the production of heat or both heat and light in the form of either a glow or flames. 7

8. Heat Production: 8 Chemically, through rapid oxidation
Mechanically, as the result of friction
Electrically, due to an electrical malfunction
Kinetically, in a compressed gas because molecular activity is great increased
Nuclearly, through the splitting of atomic particles. 8

9. Transference Of Heat 9 Conduction – direct contact
Convection – super heated gases
Radiation – invisible waves that travel at the same speed as visible light. Radiant heat travel in a direct line from the source until it strikes the object. 9

10. 10 Fires expand horizontally & vertically from the point of origin
They follow the path of least resistance – through ceilings, doorways, windows, stairways & other openings
Fires start when the minimum temperature needed to spontaneously ignite fuel, (ignition temperature), is reached.
The heat evolved when a substance burns-heat of combustion. 10

11. Stages of A Fire; Grow & Spread in 4 Stages: 11
Incipient Stage-Earliest stage. Duration may be a fraction of a second to hours, depending on the fuel available & ignition source
Emergent Stage-Combustion activity increases
Free Burning-The intensity of the fire increases. The intensity of the heat doubles with each 18°F temperature rise.
Oxygen-Regulated Smoldering-O2 enriched air in an area or room is depleted causing combustion to cease. Temp may exceed 1000°F. If O2 is re-introduced to the fire, a backdraft (explosive ignition) may occur. 11

12. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES12

13. Searching the Fire Scene 13 Origin and Cause Determination Patterns –
How does fire burn?
Ignitable Liquids
“Sniffers” –
Portable vapor detectors
Make Determination- Accidental vs. Incendiary 13

14. Searching the Fire Scene 14 The causes of fire- 4 categories:
Natural (e.g., lightning)
Accidental (e.g., unintentional or negligent, but explainable human action)
Incendiary (e.g., intentional)
Undetermined (unknown) 14

15. Looking for Origin and Cause Origin and Causes 15
Windows blown away from structure
Evidence of forced entry
Missing inventory (warehouses, etc.)
Missing personal items such as photos,
bibles, yearbooks, weapons, jewelry (homes)
Evidence of a previous fire
Unkempt yard "For sale" signs
Fuel cans
Fire extending beyond the perimeter of the structure
Origin and Causes 15

16. Origin and Cause (continued) 16 Large amount of damage Low burning
Unidentifiable point of origin
No "V" burn patterns present
Lack of accidental causes
Separate and unconnected fires
Unusual burn patterns and high heat stress
continue 16

17. Be aware of fire movement
Origin
and Cause
(continued)
Be aware of fire movement
Fire generally move upward
Origin located closest to lowest point of most intense burning
Drafts & winds
Secondary fires
Stairways, holes, elevator shafts
Flammable liquids flow down 17

18. “V” patterns 18

19. COLLECTION & PRESERVATION
Of Arson Evidence 19

20. Tools of the Trade Metal cans and glass bottles 20
Used containers must be kept sealed
Only 1/2 to 2/3 of the containers are filled,
to allow material sufficient air to breathe 20

21. Tools and Equipment 21 Safety and common sense are important
Tools: shovels, rakes, hoes, brooms, sifting screen
Tools and Equipment
Protective clothing 21

22. Protection of the Scene
FirsT responders are crucial to preservation of evidence
The area around the scene needs to be secluded, not only for security reasons, but for protection of evidence
First responders need to recognize items that may have evidentiary value. To any subsequent investigations and take preventative measures to ensure
Evidence is not damaged in the fire or rescuing process
Protection of the Scene 22

23. Scene Investigation
Fire scenes are considered the hardest of any investigations because evidence is always destroyed. 2-3 Quarts of ash and soot debris must be collected at the point of origin of a fire in any arson case 23

24. Chain of Custody 24 The person who collects and
processes the evidence is to take all responsibility for handling of the evidence
Proper records and files must be kept of who and where has handled the evidence
Mostly all evidence in arson investigations are subject to analysis
Preserving the evidence so that it is court admissible is one of the most important tasks 24

25. FIRE INVESTIGATION 25

26. Fire investigation is one of the most difficult of the forensic sciences to practice.
In most forensic disciplines, even the basic question of whether a crime has been committed is normally obvious. 26

27. Origin and Cause of Investigation
After firefighters extinguish a fire, an investigation is launched to determine the origin and cause of the fire or explosion. Investigations of such incidents are done using a systematic approach and knowledge of basic fire science. 27

28. During a fire investigation, an entire process must be undertaken just to determine if the case involves arson or not. The difficulty of determining whether an arson fire has occurred or not arises because fires destroy evidence. 28

29. Fires can be caused by or involve most things people see or use
Fires can be caused by or involve most things people see or use. For this reason, fire investigators need to know not only basic science of fire behavior, but knowledge of many different areas of study (including construction, electricity, human behavior, vehicles etc) is helpful. 29

30. Categories of fires 30 Accidental Fire Cause Natural Fire Cause
Incendiary Fire Cause
Undetermined Fire Cause
Categories of fires 30

31. Accidental 31

32. Accidental 32

33. Accidental 33

34. Accidental 34

35. A C I D E N T l 35

36. Incendiary 36

37. Incendiary 37

38. Incendiary 38

39. Incendiary 39

40. Types of Arsonists 40 Revenge – 14% Vandalism - 60%
Crime Concealment - 7%
Insurance Claims - 16%
Excitement & Pyromaniacs - 3% 40

41. Types of
Arsonists 41

42. Church Arson 42 The leading cause of church fires is arson
Motives of the 100 people arrested in those fires included racial hatred, but juvenile vandalism, insurance fraud and thrill-seeking were also factors.
Churches are also targets because they are unoccupied at night and for long periods of time during the day. 42

43. Revenge 43 Result of arguments, hatred or jealousy
Victims are usually family, friends or other familiar people
Hate groups may not know victims
Often intoxicated at the time of their offense
Typically use matches and gasoline
Easily detected because they do not cover their tracks 43

44. Vandalism 44 Destroy property for fun or sport
Sometimes revenge is motivation
Usually have one or more accomplice
Half of all arson arrests are white males under age 18
Tend to set fires at night 44

45. Crime Concealment 45 Usually burglary, often murder
Use fire to cover traces of the original crime or the criminal
Often set at night 45

46. Insurance Claims 46 Arson for Profit
Arsonist needs money, so they will set fire to their own property to collect on the insurance
“Fire Strippers” who set fires and then search the burned remains for plumbing, electrical and other construction materials
Usually do not set fire to property that has people in it
Generally, fires are set in the day time 46

47. Excitement 47 Set fires because they are entertained
Some like the sight of fire burning
Others enjoy watching the firefighters using their equipment
Usually intoxicated at the time of the fire
Do not set fire to inhabited property 47

48. Pyromaniacs 48 “Pathological Fire setters”
They get a sensual satisfaction watching fire destroy 48

49. Arson & Violence
Fires set intentionally can also go hand in hand with violence
Mob violence fires
Occurs where the median income is below the poverty line
Fire-setters have the least to lose in personal property 49

50. Little known Facts: Did you know that? 50
Arson is the #1 crime committed by juveniles.
1/3 of all children killed by fire set the fire themselves.
Left untreated 81% of fire setters will repeat their dangerous actions. 50

51. Little known Facts: Did you know that? 51
Fire is the only object of mass destruction to which young people have access.
Fire setters are not arsonists or pyromaniacs.
Fire setting evaluation, education and intervention services work. 51

52. Little known Facts: Did you know that? 52
Arsonists intentionally set fires that destroyed $879 million in insured property in 2004, including factories, residential buildings, churches and motor vehicles.
The number of civilians killed in arson fires in buildings in 2004 totaled 320. Only 17% of cases ended in arrests in 2004. 52

53. Little known Facts: Did you know that? 53
Children are responsible for almost half of the arson fires set in the United States.
Arson committed at night is usually deemed as being more serious than t hat committed during daytime. 53

54. Hazards & Dangers Of Investigation 54 Investigating the scene alone:
Fire scene examinations should not be undertaken alone
A minimum of 2 individuals should be present to ensure that assistance is at hand if an investigator should become trapped or injured 54

55. Hazards & Dangers Of Investigation Structural stability 55
By their nature, most structures that have been involved in fires or explosions are structurally weakened.
Roofs, ceilings, partitions, load bearing walls, and floors may have been compromised by the fire or explosion 55

56. Hazards & Dangers Of Investigation Investigator Fatigue 56
It is common for investigators to put in long periods of strenuous personal labor during an incident scene investigation.
This may result in fatigue, which can adversely influence an investigators physical coordination, strength, judgment to recognize or respond to hazardous conditions or situations. 56

57. Hazards & Dangers Of Investigation Status of suppression 57
If the investigator is going to enter parts of the structure before the fire is completely extinguished, he or she should receive permission from the fire ground commander.
The investigator should keep the fire ground commander advised of the areas into which he or she will be entering and working. 57

58. Hazards & Dangers Of Investigation Standing water 58
Standing water can pose a variety of dangers to the investigator.
Puddles of water in the presence of energized electrical systems can be lethal if the investigator should touch an energized wire while standing in a puddle. 58

59. Hazards & Dangers Of Investigation Safety of fire scene atmosphere 59
Fire and explosions often generate toxic or noxious gases. The presence of hazardous materials in this structure is certain.
Homes: chemicals in the kitchen, bath, and garage that can create great risk to the investigator if they are exposed to them.
Commercial business structures are generally more organized in the storage of hazardous materials, but investigator can’t assume that the risk is less. 59

60. Conclusion 60 Fires present a major social and economic problem.
Arson in particular costs the community an enormous amount of money each year. 60

61. Conclusion
Arson can be used to destroy personal property, collect insurance or to cover up other crimes.
Fires may destroy items that are irreplaceable due to their historical or sentimental value. 61 61

62. Conclusion
All arson fires are incendiary, however not all incendiary fires are arson.
In order for a fire to be considered arson, it must have been caused by someone through the use of an accelerant. 62

63. Conclusion
Crime prevention programs are used and more resources are dedicated to improving the sophistication of the investigation of suspected arson. 63

64. EXPLOSIVES 64

65. Recent Bombings in the News
1988 – Pan Am Flight
103, Lockerbie, Scotland
1998 – The Unabomber (20 yrs)
Ted Kaczynski
2005 – London Underground Train Bombings (4 simultaneous explosions/1 on bus)
1995 – Murrah Federal Building, Oklahoma City, OK
Tim McVeigh
Terry Nichols 65

66. Where to look For evidence
There are 3 places to look for evidence in a bombing:
The target
The materials damaged by the blast
The area outside the bombing crime scene 66

67. Where to look For evidence 67 1. Explosions leaving a crater
Recoverable evidence may be caught in the hole or nearby the crater
2. Explosions leaving a hole
Only explosive residue is generally left behind. 67

68. What is an Explosive
Explosives are substances that undergo a rapid oxidation reaction with the production of large quantities of gases.
It is this sudden buildup of gas pressure that constitutes the nature of an explosion.
The speed at which explosives decompose and release their gases permits their classification as high or low explosives. 68

69. Explosives
Third World Countries 69

70. Types of Explosives: Low Explosives
The most widely used explosives in the low-explosive group are black powder and smokeless powder.
Black powder is a mixture of potassium or sodium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur.
Smokeless powder consists of nitrated cotton (nitrocellulose) or nitroglycerin and nitrocellulose. 70

71. Types of Explosives: HIGH Explosives Primary explosives
Ultrasensitive to heat, shock, or friction and provide the major ingredients found in blasting caps or primers used to detonate other explosives. 71

72. Explosives
Secondary explosives are relatively insensitive to heat, shock, or friction and will normally burn rather than detonate if ignited in small quantities in the open air.
This group comprises the majority of commercial (Dynamite) and military blasting, such as TNT, PETN, and RDX. 72

73. Explosives
First high explosive with a commercial application was Nitroglycerin (NG) – 1850’s
In recent years, NG-based dynamite has all but disappeared from the industrial explosive market and has been replaced by ammonium nitrate-(AN) based explosives (i.e., water gels, emulsions, and ANFO explosives). 74

74. Military
Explosives
Suitability of an explosive for military use is determined by:
Can it be produced from cheap raw materials that are not strategic [SIMPLE]
Are they available in GREAT quantity [CHEAP]
Density must be as high as possible [SAFE] 75

75. Military
Explosives
TNT first used in WWI. TNT + AN used in WWII by Germany for V-2 rockets in the bombing of London. Blast velocity of 6825 m/s
RDX is the most popular and powerful of the military explosives, often encountered in the form of pliable plastic known as C-4. Blast velocity of 8050 m/s
HMX – 30% more powerful than TNT. Blast velocity of 9124 m/s 76

76. Explosives
TNT-It is valued because of its insensitivity to shock and friction, which reduces the risk of accidental detonation. TNT
Time
RDX TNT Bomb
RDX- possesses greater explosive power than TNT used in the WW I. Requires no new raw materials for its manufacture 77

77. Explosive’s market
C-4
C4 is made up of explosives, plastic binder, plasticizer and, usually, marker or odorizing taggant chemicals such as 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane (DMDNB) to help detect the explosive and identify its source. As with many plastic explosives, the explosive in C4 is RDX. 78

78. Military Explosives 2. Sulfur/Charcoal, KClO3 & sugar
In many countries outside the United States, the accessibility of military high explosives to terrorist organizations makes them very common constituents of homemade bombs.
IED’s – Improvised Explosives/3 common types 1. KNO3 w/sugar & aluminum
2. Sulfur/Charcoal, KClO3 & sugar
3. KClO4, sugar & aluminum 79

79. Military Explosives High Explosive IED’s
TATP – preferred by terrorists because it does not have a nitrogen atom in its structure
Presumptive tests for explosives are made to identify or respond to a reactive nitrogen atom in the residue tested
Easer to past airport and other bomb detectors 80

80. Evidence Collection 81 Presumptive Field Tests
IMS – ion mobility spectrometer
Detects a wide range of explosives including plastic & military explosives, even at trace levels
Portable Hydrocarbon Detectors – detects explosive residues on objects or people
Chemical reagents – Greiss reagent tests for presence of nitrates
Specially trained dogs can also detect hydrocarbon residues *Offcrs. Meade & Lucky 81

81. Back at
the Lab
Testing procedures include color spot tests, thin-layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Confirmatory identification tests may be performed on unexploded materials by either infrared spectrophotometry or X-ray diffraction. 82

82. The Station Night Club Fire
February 2003
The Station Night Club Fire 83

83. A Case Study
Of a Fire
Background and Cause(s) of a fire and ongoing investigation
NFPA Response
Incident hits close to home
NFPA Fire Codes/OSHA Compliance
Case update 84

84. The Aftermath 85

85. Fire Details 86 Location: West Warwick, RI 15 miles from Providence
Building Type: one story wooden structure
Fully engulfed within 3 minutes
Business was too small to require a sprinkler system
Occupancy limit: 300 with furniture / 404 without 86

86. Fire Details 87 99 people perished (4 out of 16 club employees)
Over 180 people injured
Greatest loss of life due to a fire since the 1995 Branch Davidian
Compound, where 80 people died 87

87. Causes/ Investigation 88
Pyrotechnics were used (without a permit), ignited wall behind stage
Fire spread to ceiling, despite band member trying to extinguish with water
There were three fire exits besides the main doors
Most tried to escape through the main doors, but thick smoke quickly obstructed the means of egress 88

88. Causes/ Investigation 89
Due to neighbor complaints, sound proofing was installed in 2000
Sound proofing was made up of an egg-crate type foam material (cost - $575) made out of polyurethane, which burns like gasoline – smoke emitted contained carbon monoxide, cyanide, and other toxic gases
Rhode Island law prohibits using flammable acoustic material on the walls of gathering places like bars 89

89. Causes/ Investigation 90
Attorney for the club’s owners stated they were not aware this foam was dangerous
Club passed most recent fire inspection, and this material was not documented
Issues from last inspection
Burned out light bulbs
Improperly installed fire extinguishers 90

90. Causes/ Investigation 91
Exit door near the stage swung inward, therefore, a violation of the fire code
Town manager (Wolfgang Bauer) states this door was taken down to pass inspection, and then put back up
Town could be held liable due to the overlooking of the foam sound proofing 91

91. NFPA Response
Jim Shannon (President) interviewed by 60 Minutes II March 5, 2003
NFPA code development process
Organization’s position on sprinklers
Cause of West Warwick tragedy
NFPA fire codes have reduced fire in buildings by nearly 50% over the last 25 years
Interact with victim’s families/learn from these tragedies 92

92. NFPA Response
“One of the most frustrating things about the Rhode Island nightclub fire is that this tragedy could have been prevented. If NFPA code had been followed, there would have been no fire.” 93

93. NFPA Response
Strong advocates of sprinkler systems in most structures.
As a result of this tragedy, a public assembly occupancy committee was held to address all of the issues and details pertaining to this tragedy – codes may need to be updated 94

94. NFPA Response
NFPA methodology:
“The level of Safety provided is not the result of any single safety system or feature, but rather is achieved through the combination of multiple safeguards that are provided”
ex: NFPA 1, Fire Prevention Code 95

95. NFPA/Rhode Island Fire Code 96 Life Safety Code
NFPA Life Safety Code (1997)*
Governs life safety - egress requirements, protection of occupants.
Divided by occupancy classification - different occupancies have different code requirements. 96

96. Fire Codes 97 What is a Means of Egress?
A continuous  and unobstructed way of exit travel from any point in a three separate and distinct parts: (a) the exit access (b) the exit (c) the exit discharge 97

97. Fire Codes
A means of egress comprises the vertical and horizontal travel and shall include intervening room spaces, doorways, hallway, corridors, passageways, balconies, ramps, stairs, enclosures, lobbies, escalators, horizontal exits, courts, and yards.
Egress Doors - shall be arranged to be opened readily from the egress side whenever the building is occupied. 98

98. Fire Codes
Locks, if provided, shall not require the use of a key, tool or special knowledge, or effort for operation from the inside of the building.
Where are Exit Devices Required?
In a means of egress where: Occupancy load is 100 people or more
Occupancy type is for Education or Assembly 99

99. Fire Codes 100 (1) Educational
Buildings or parts of buildings which are used by more than 5 people at one time for educational purposes, with a total occupancy load of greater than 50 people, for kindergarten through 12th grade or day care centers for children over 2 years and 9 months of age.
100

100. Fire Codes
(2) Assembly
Buildings or parts of buildings which are used or designed for the gathering together of persons for purposes such as civic, social, or religious functions, recreation, food or drink consumption, or awaiting transportation, which will accommodate 50 or more occupants
101

101. OSHA Regulations 102 CFR 1910.38 Employee Emergency Plan Purpose:
Shall cover those designated actions employers and employees must take to ensure employee safety from fire and other emergencies
102

102. OSHA Regulations 103 Contents:
(i) Emergency escape procedures and emergency escape route assignments
(ii) Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate
(iii) Procedures to account for all employees after emergency evacuation has been completed
103

103. OSHA
Regulations
(iv) Rescue and medical duties for those employees who are able to perform them
(v) The preferred means of reporting fires
and other emergencies
104

104. OSHA Regulations 105 Other requirements:
1) Fully operational alarm system
2) Training
Employer must train a sufficient number of persons to assist in the action plan
when plan is formulated
when employee’s responsibilities or designated actions change
when plan is changed
105

105. Evacuation Procedures
Store Management
Makes announcement for all associates and customers to evacuate the store using the nearest EXIT
Dept. Supervisors
Assist associates and customers in evacuating the store using the nearest EXIT
All Associates
Evacuate the store using the nearest EXIT
Assist associates and customers in evacuating the store using the nearest EXIT
Search assigned area for any customers/associates that are left in the store
Meet at end of parking lot in front of store
Search assigned area for any customers/associates that are left in the store
Evacuate store using the nearest EXIT
Evacuate store using the nearest EXIT
Meet at end of parking lot in front of store
Meet at end of parking lot in front of the store
106

106. OSHA
Regulations
Sprinklers were not installed due to an exemption in this older venue (exact date of when became mandatory unknown)
Sprinklers would have reduced the impact of the fire, but not necessarily saved more lives
107

107. RI Case
Update
April 4:
Foam soundproofing found to be spray-painted, and glitter present on surface
April 9:
Contract w/band found amongst the rubble. Document revealed that the owner’s promoted the event for 550 people, as they did with prior concerts.
108

108. RI Case Update 109 Litigation
2 civil lawsuits from 3 victim's families
3 additional attorneys representing 30 survivors (no formal charges yet)
Currently, there are no criminal charges filed
109

109. RI Case
Update
April 9: Providence, Rhode Island Committee Bans Pyrotechnics
A legislative committee approved a ban on pyrotechnics in nightclubs April 8. Rep. Norman Landroche, Jr. is a co-sponsor of the bill. The bill, passed unanimously by the Corporations Committee, would ban pyrotechnics in places licensed to serve liquor that have a capacity of up to 1,000 people, and would eliminate an exemption that has allowed older venues like The Station to operate without installing sprinklers.
110

110. RI Case Update Final Outcome 111
April 10: Owners fined $1 million for not carrying W/C for their associates ($1,000/day x 3 years)
*Fan pieces were also found. Fans were mounted to the wall, and if they were running, may have possibly accelerated the fire
111